Fire Restrictions in Effect

Please be aware that the Pike NF now has fire and smoking restrctions in place. 

Thanks
FOMP

From the Pike NF Home Page
http://bit.ly/eolkWr

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions – Pike and San Isabel National Forests

Release Date: Apr 22, 2011

Contact(s): Barb Timock, PAO, Jace Ratzlaff, PAS

PUEBLO, Colo., April 21, 2011…Beginning immediately, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions are in place on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Pike and San Isabel National Forests located within Clear Creek, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Park, Teller, Fremont, Custer, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties, Colorado.  Restrictions will remain in effect until they are rescinded.

Fire danger is extreme and unless the U.S. Forest Service sees a change in the weather patterns soon, we will experience a high potential for large fires.

FIRE AND SMOKING RESTRICTIONS

The following acts are prohibited on U.S. Forest Service lands managed under Pike and San Isabel National Forests located within Clear Creek, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Park, Teller, Fremont, Custer, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties, Colorado:

  1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. (This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, charcoal grills, hibachis, and coal or wood-burning stoves.) EXCEPTIONS:  Campfires are permitted in U.S. Forest Service-developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, and only in U.S. Forest Service-provided, manufactured fire grates and grills.  Petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are allowed on all National Forest System lands, provided such devices meet the Underwriters Laboratories specifications for safety.
  1. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 (three) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Actions Permitted:

  1. Persons with a U.S. Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
  2. Resident owners, lessees of land, and holders of U.S. Forest Service recreational use authorizations, within the restricted area are exempt from Prohibition 1 (one) above, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
  3. Any Federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Even with the restrictions, visitors should be aware of weather conditions and be careful with the use of fire outdoors.  Visitors should check with their local U.S. Forest Service office or go to the web at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/psicc/Fire Informationto learn about specific restrictions.

Fire Safety Message

  • Make sure that you can have a campfire and obey all fire restrictions.
  • Keep a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire
  • When putting a campfire out, drown it with water, stir the fire with dirt and more water until all the fuel is cold to the touch. Never leave a fire until it is out cold
  • If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. Remember, DO NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire